US6970200B2 - System and method for a simplified digital camera interface for viewing images and controlling camera operation - Google Patents

Abstract

A simplified image display control interface provides easy and convenient retrieving and viewing of digital images captured by a digital camera. Two control buttons provide for scrolling backwards or forwards through a plurality of captured images displayed on a display and stored in the digital camera memory. When the oldest captured image has been displayed, subsequent actuation of a control button causes the display to be turned off. When the most recently captured image is displayed, subsequent actuation of another control button causes a live preview to be displayed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to recording and processing digital images and, in particular, to a system and method for providing a simplified, user-friendly interface for operating a digital camera.

2. Related Art

With the advent of digitally based image capturing devices capable of “photographing” an image and providing the image in a digital data format, a digital “photograph” of the image is stored in a memory residing within or coupled to the image capturing device. A nonlimiting example of a digital image capturing device is the digital camera that captures still images and/or video images.

Technological advances have enabled the development of digital cameras that rival the quality of film based cameras. Furthermore, digital camera interfaces have been designed to mimic film camera controls so that knowledgeable photographers may control the picture taking functionalities, such as shutter speed, aperture, flash, zoom and other features.

However, digital cameras are, in essence, special purpose computers employing advanced digital imaging technologies. For the first time user, a complex digital camera may be difficult to operate. Thus, many consumers are not yet interested giving up their easy-to-use film based cameras.

Consumers who are not computer literate may feel uncomfortable with a digital camera in that many of the features of a digital camera are based upon its similarity to a personal computer. For example, pictures are stored in a digital camera memory as digital information. This digital information is conveniently transferable to a personal computer so that, for example, printing devices can be used to make hard copies of the digital images or so that the digital image can be transferred to others electronically. Thus, an owner of a digital camera needs to be computer literate to some degree to be able to operate the camera and to process captured images into viewable images. Compared to a film based camera, where the user inserts film, takes the photographs, and then simply drops off the film at a shop for development, a complex digital camera may present a barrier to user acceptance if the user is not already computer literate.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists for providing a system and method for an easy to use digital camera display interface. Such an easy to use display interface should not necessarily require the user of the digital camera to be computer literate or knowledgeable in the art of photography. That is, the operational characteristics of the digital camera interface should be readily apparent to practically any user of the digital camera. Also, such an easy to use display interface should be easy to use by individuals that may have limitations in the use of their hands. Furthermore, the interface should employ a minimum number of components to facilitate a lower manufacturing cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the inadequacies and deficiencies of the prior art as discussed hereinabove. The present invention, a simplified image display control interface, provides a system and method for easily and conveniently retrieving and viewing a plurality of captured images. As described below, actuation of two control buttons causes the camera processor to retrieve digital image data corresponding to a captured image from the digital camera memory and display the image on the display. Two control buttons provide for scrolling backward or forward through a plurality of captured images stored in the digital camera memory. A third control button is provided for deleting data in memory corresponding to displayed images.

As the user scrolls forward through the images to preview later captured images, the most recently captured image will eventually be displayed. In one embodiment, upon a subsequent actuation of the forward scroll button, a live preview will be displayed. That is, the image currently detected by the digital camera will be displayed on the digital camera display. In another embodiment, actuating the forward scroll button again will result in the display being turned off, thus saving limited battery power resources. Similarly, when the user scrolls backward through the images to preview earlier captured images, the earliest captured image will eventually be reached. In one embodiment, the camera display turns off when the backward scroll button is subsequently actuated.

In another embodiment, a computer readable medium is provided having a program executable by a computer for controlling display of images on a display. The program includes logic configured to perform various steps as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a digital camera employing a simplified interface.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating selected internal components of the digital camera ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the operating buttons employed by the simplified interface in communication with selected internal components of the digital camera ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the process of viewing images using the control buttons employed by the simplified interface ofFIGS. 1–3.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process for operating the digital camera ofFIG. 1 with the control buttons employed by the simplified interface ofFIGS. 1–4).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating adigital camera100 employing a simplified imagedisplay control interface102 that employs threecontrol buttons104,106 and108, described in greater detail below.Digital camera100 further includes at least alens unit110, an imagecapture actuation button112, aviewing lens114, apower switch116,memory unit interface118 and a plug-ininterface unit120. Plug-ininterface unit120 includes a plurality ofconnection pins122. Adisplay124 is used for previewing images prior to capturing or for viewing captured images. For convenience of illustration,display124 is illustrated on the top ofdigital camera100.

Operation ofdigital camera100 is initiated by actuation ofpower switch116 or an equivalent device having the same functionality. Whendigital camera100 is turned on,display124 may remain off so as to conserve limited battery power ofdigital camera100. As described in greater detail below, actuation of any one ofcontrol buttons104,106 and/or108 will turn ondisplay124 such that the user (not shown) ofdigital camera100 may view a live preview of the image that is being detected throughlens unit110. Alternatively, an image of a previously captured image or a menu screen may be initially displayed. In an alternative embodiment, other buttons, switches or control interface devices are additionally configured to turn ondisplay screen124 when actuated.

The simplified imagedisplay control interface102 that employs threecontrol buttons104,106 and108 is particularly advantageous for users ofdigital camera100 who are not technically familiar with the operation of prior art digital cameras or who may have physical handicaps and/or limitations that make operation of prior art digital cameras difficult. In one embodiment, each one of thecontrol buttons104,106 and108 is a relatively large button positioned on the digital camera to provide easy access and actuation.

Lens unit110 is a well-known device used for focusing the image on the photosensor. When the operator has focused the image to be captured and is satisfied with it, the operator actuates the image capture actuation button112 (also referred to as a shutter button or a shutter release button) to causedigital camera100 to record a digital image, thus “photographing” the image. The operator of the digital camera may visually preview the image before capturing the image ondisplay124 and/or view the image directly through theviewing lens114. Detailed operation of these above-described individual components ofdigital camera100 are not described in detail herein other than to the extent necessary to understand the operation and functioning of these components when employed as part of the simplified imagedisplay control interface102.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a conventionalpersonal computer126 that may be employed with digital cameras such that digital images captured by the digital camera may be retrieved, processed, printed and/or e-mailed.Personal computer126 may include at least aprocessor128, amemory130 anInternet interface132, aprinter interface134, amemory module interface136 and awire connector interface138. Memory130 further includes animage data region140 where retrieved image data fromdigital camera100 is stored.Personal computer126 is further illustrated as being coupled to adisplay monitor142, viaconnection144. The display monitor142 includes adisplay146 for viewing the captured images.

In one embodiment ofdigital camera100,digital camera100 transfers captured images topersonal computer126 via ahard wire connection148.Connection148 is coupled to a plug-inattachment150. Plug-inattachment150 is configured to connect to plug-ininterface unit120, and connection pins122. The user ofpersonal computer126 anddigital camera100 simply connects plug-inattachment150 to plug-ininterface120 thereby establishing connectivity betweendigital camera100 andpersonal computer126. The operator ofpersonal computer126 anddigital camera100 then instructspersonal computer126 and/ordigital camera100 to transfer digital images fromdigital camera100 throughwire connector interface138, throughprocessor128 viaconnection152, and then intoimage data region140 ofmemory130 viaconnection154.

In another embodiment, digital image data is stored in amemory module unit156. When capturing images withdigital camera100,memory module unit156 is coupled todigital camera100 throughmemory unit interface118. Digital image data is transferred topersonal computer126 by removingmemory module unit156 fromdigital camera100 and couplingmemory module unit156 tomemory module interface136. Typically, a convenient coupling port or interface (not shown) is provided on the surface ofpersonal computer126 such thatmemory module unit156 is directly coupled topersonal computer126, as illustrated by dashedline path158. Oncememory module unit156 is coupled tomemory module interface136, digital image data is transferred throughprocessor128 viaconnection160 and intoimage data region140 ofmemory130, viaconnection154.

When the user ofpersonal computer126 has accessed the digital image data corresponding to the images captured bydigital camera100, as described above, the user ofpersonal computer126 may e-mail selected images to other devices viaInternet interface132, may print selected images viaprinter interface134 and/or view selected images viadisplay monitor142. For convenience of illustration,processor128 is illustrated as being coupled toInternet interface132 viaconnection162.Internet interface132 facilitates coupling ofpersonal computer126 to an external communication system (not shown) viaconnection164. Similarly,processor128 is illustrated as being coupled to the printer interface viaconnection166.Printer interface134 is configured to provide coupling to a printing device (not shown) that would be coupled topersonal computer126 such that selected images are printed.

For convenience,personal computer126 is illustrated as having only selected components of interest. However,personal computer126 may include additional internal components that are not illustrated inFIG. 1. These additional components not shown are known in the art and are not described in detail herein other than to the extent necessary to understand the functionality and operation of simplified imagedisplay control interface102 employed bydigital camera100.

Digital camera100 also includes additional components not shown inFIG. 1. Such components are not discussed herein as such components are not necessarily related to the operation and functionality of simplified imagedisplay control interface102. Furthermore, for convenience of illustration,digital camera100 is illustrated from a perspective that shows only the front, top and one side view ofdigital camera100.Digital camera100 has additional components located on its hidden sides. Such components are not illustrated or discussed herein as such components are not necessarily related to the operation ofdigital camera100 when employed with simplified imagedisplay control interface102. However, such components will be described as required below to the extent that such components (not shown) are related to the operation ofdigital camera100 with respect to simplified imagedisplay control interface102.

The components ofdigital camera100 described above and illustrated inFIG. 1 may be located in alternative convenient locations ondigital camera100. For example,display124 may be located on the hidden back surface ofdigital camera100. Also,control buttons104,106 and108 of simplified imagedisplay control interface102 may be in different positions of the top surface ofdigital camera100 or located on one of the hidden surfaces, such as the back surface ofdigital camera100. The placement ofcontrol buttons104,106 and108 of simplified imagedisplay control interface102 may be located anywhere ondigital camera100 as long as the user ofdigital camera100 has easy and convenient access to controlbuttons104,106 and108.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating selected internal components ofdigital camera100. Cut-awaylines202 demark components located on the outside surfaces ofdigital camera100 and components located insidedigital camera100. Thus,control buttons104,106 and108 of simplified imagedisplay control interface102,lens unit110, imagecapture actuation button112,power switch116,memory unit interface118, plug-ininterface120 anddisplay124 are recognized as components located on the surfaces ofdigital camera100.

The internal components ofdigital camera100 are illustrated between the two cut-awaylines202. Internal components ofdigital camera100 include at least acamera processor204, aphotosensor206, amemory storage interface208 and amemory210.Memory210 further includes regions allocated fordata management logic212,camera image data214 and imagedisplay control logic216.Photosensor206 is disposed in a suitable position behindlens unit110 such that an image (not shown) may be focused ontophotosensor206.Photosensor206 detects an image throughlens unit110 and provides information corresponding to the detected image tocamera processor204, viaconnection218. When the digital camera is operating in a mode that displays the image currently detected byphotosensor206 ondisplay124, viaconnection222, hereinafter referred to as the live preview mode, the user ofdigital camera100 can preview a detected current image to determine if the user wants to “photograph” the detected current image. If so, the user ofdigital camera100 actuates imagecapture actuation button112 such thatcamera processor204 transfers the received image information fromphotosensor206 into cameraimage data region214 ofmemory210. That is, when the user actuates imagecapture actuation button112,processor204 reformats the current image detected byphotosensor206 into digital image data that is suitable for storage intomemory210, viaconnection224.

As the user ofdigital camera110 continues with the process of “photographing” images, a plurality of digital image data corresponding to a plurality of captured images is stored into cameraimage data region214 ofmemory210. When the user ofdigital camera100 has completed the process of capturing images, the user connects thedigital camera110 to personal computer126 (FIG. 1) by connecting plug-in attachment150 (FIG. 1) to plug-ininterface120. By providing suitable instructions topersonal computer126 and/orcamera processor204, the captured image data is transferred from cameraimage data region214, viaconnection226, topersonal computer126 for further processing.

In an alternative embodiment, a memory module unit156 (FIG. 1) is coupled todigital camera110 throughmemory unit interface118. As the user ofdigital camera100 actuates imagecapture actuation button112 to causecamera processor204 to save the current image detected byphotosensor206,camera processor204 transmits the image data viaconnection222 tomemory storage interface208.Memory storage interface208 configures the received digital image data for transfer tomemory module unit156, viaconnection228. In yet another alternative embodiment,memory storage interface208 is not included. Here,camera processor204 directly transmits suitably formatted digital image data to personal computer126 (FIG. 1) viaconnection226.

During the process of capturing images, or after the image capture process has been completed, the user ofdigital camera100 may wish to view the captured images. Simplified imagedisplay control interface102 provides a system and method for easily and conveniently retrieving and viewing the plurality of captured images. As described below, actuation of one ofcontrol buttons104,106 and/or108 may causecamera processor204 to retrieve digital image data corresponding to a captured image from captureimage data region214 and display the image ondisplay124. In another embodiment, the digital image data associated with a captured image is retrieved from memory module unit156 (FIG. 1) that is coupled todigital camera100. In other instances, actuation of one of thecontrol buttons104,106 and/or108 may cause the current image detected byphotosensor206 to be displayed ondisplay124. Furthermore, in some instances the actuation of acontrol button104,106 and/or108 may causedisplay124 to turn off. The operation and functionality ofcontrol buttons104,106 and108 for controlling the viewing of captured images, for live previewing of the current image detected byphotosensor206, and the turning off ofdisplay124 are described in greater detail below. Thus, the threecontrol buttons104,106 and108 provide a simple and easy to use method and system for controlling the operating mode ofdisplay124.

For convenience of illustration,connection230coupling camera processor204 withcontrol buttons104,106 and108 is illustrated as a single connection fromcamera processor204 that branches off to each ofindividual control buttons104,106 and108. In another embodiment, three individual connections are employed to connect each one ofcontrol buttons104,106 and108 individually tocamera processor204.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustratingcontrol buttons104,106 and108 employed by simplified image display control interface102 (FIGS. 1 and 2) in communication with selected internal components of digital camera100 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The functionality of each ofcontrol buttons104,106 and108 is indicated to the user ofdigital camera100 by including the fabrication of an intuitive icon onto the top surface of each one ofcontrol buttons104,106 and108. In one embodiment,control button104 includes a leftpointing arrow icon302.Control button106 includes an “X”icon304.Control button108 includes a rightpointing arrow icon306. Alternative embodiments employ other suitable icons and/or textual labels that are recognizable to the user of the digital camera such that the user of the digital camera easily understands the functionality and operation ofcontrol buttons104,106 and108. Furthermore,control buttons104,106 and108 may be positioned on digital camera100 (FIG. 1) in a different order than shown inFIGS. 1–3, or located in different places ondigital camera100.

Also illustrated inFIG. 3 is animage308 displayed ondisplay124.Image308 includes an object of interest310 (a businessman).Image308 is delineated by a thick black image borderline312 in one embodiment. Thus, the user ofdigital camera100 understands that the portion ofdisplay124 withinimage border312 corresponds to a captured image and that portion ofdisplay124 that is outside of the image border, denoted asregion314 ofdisplay124, is not associated with the capturedimage308. The current image detected by photosensor206 (FIG. 2) is also similarly displayed. In another embodiment,image borderline312 is not employed and demarcation betweenimage308 anddisplay region314 is indicated by differing colored backgrounds, differing textures and/or other suitable discernible differences. In yet another embodiment,image308 is configured to occupy the entire region ofdisplay124.

Control buttons104,106 and108 in some instances, described in greater detail below, control the changing of the image displayed ondisplay124. In one operating mode,control button106 functions as a delete button. Thus, the user of the digital camera recognizes that the “X”icon304, or other suitable icon and/or textual label, corresponds to a deletion function such that whencontrol button106 is actuated, digital image data corresponding to image308 is deleted frommemory210. In an alternative embodiment, the digital image data corresponding to the displayedimage308 is deleted from memory module unit156 (FIG. 1). Thus, the user ofdigital camera100 simply actuatescontrol button106 to eraseimage308.

When the digital image data corresponding to displayedimage308 is deleted, one embodiment ofdigital camera100 displays the previously captured image. In another embodiment, after the image data is deleted,digital camera100 displays the next most recently captured image. In yet another embodiment,digital camera100 displays the live preview of the current image detected by photosensor206 (FIG. 2). If, after deletion of the image data, no other images remain in memory,digital camera100 defaults to displaying the live preview of the current image. Ifcontrol button106 is depressed when the live preview of the current image is displayed, one embodiment of the digital camera turns off thedisplay124.

Control buttons104 and108, in one operating mode, perform the functionality of scrolling through a plurality of captured images ondisplay124. Actuation ofcontrol button104 causes the image that was previously captured before the current displayed image to be displayed ondisplay124. Thus, the user ofdigital camera100 easily understands that left pointingarrow icon302, or other suitable icon and/or textual label, indicates that actuation ofcontrol button104 will cause earlier captured images to be displayed ondisplay124.Control button104 is also known as a backward scroll button.

In one embodiment ofdigital camera100, scrolling through the captured images ondisplay124 with successive actuations ofcontrol button104 eventually causes display of the oldest captured image residing in memory210 (FIG. 1), or in memory module unit156 (FIG. 1), depending upon the embodiment ofdigital camera100. Whencontrol button104 is depressed again,display124 is turned off.

Another embodiment may display a message menu indicating that no earlier captured images are available for display. Then, a subsequent actuation ofcontrol button104 causes display124 to be turned off. Thus, when the user has scrolled through the captured images to the oldest image stored in memory214 (or the memory module unit156), the user understands that actuatingcontrol button104 will causedisplay124 to be turned off.

In yet another embodiment, actuation ofcontrol button104 causes display124 to display a live preview after the oldest captured image is displayed. Then, display124 is turned off whencontrol button104 is actuated again.

Similarly, right pointingarrow icon306 indicates to the user that actuation ofbutton106 will result in the display of the next most recently captured image ondisplay124. That is, actuation ofcontrol button108 causes the image that was captured immediately after the currently displayed image to be displayed on thedisplay124. Thus, the user ofdigital camera100 easily understands that rightpointing arrow icon306, or other suitable icon and/or textual label, indicates that actuation ofcontrol button108 will cause more recently captured images to be displayed.Control button108 is also known as a foreword scroll button.

In one embodiment ofdigital camera100, scrolling through the captured images ondisplay124 with successive actuations ofcontrol button108 eventually causes display of the most recent captured image residing in memory210 (FIG. 1), or in the memory module unit156 (FIG. 1), depending upon the embodiment ofdigital camera100. Whencontrol button108 is depressed again, a live preview of the current image detected by photosensor206 (FIG. 2) is displayed ondisplay124.

In an alternative embodiment, ifcontrol button108 is actuated again,display124 is turned off. Another embodiment may display a message menu indicating that no earlier captured images are available for display. Then, a subsequent actuation ofcontrol button108 causes display124 to be turned off. Thus, when the user has scrolled through the captured images to the most recently stored image in memory214 (or memory module unit156), the user understands that actuatingcontrol button108 will cause a live preview to be displayed. In other embodiments, subsequent actuation ofcontrol button108 causes display124 to be turned off.

Summarizing,control buttons104 and108 are understood by the user to provide for the functionality of scrolling backwards or forwards through a plurality of captured images. Furthermore, the user understands that actuatingcontrol button102 will eventually result indisplay124 being turned off, thus saving limited battery power resources. And, the user understands that actuatingcontrol button106 will eventually result in a live preview.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the process of viewing images usingcontrol buttons104,106 and108 employed by simplified image display control interface102 (see alsoFIGS. 1–3). As described above, digital data corresponding to a plurality of captured images is stored in cameraimage data region214 of memory210 (FIG. 2). In another embodiment, digital data corresponding to a plurality of captured images is stored in memory module unit156 (FIG. 1).Image402, labeled asPIC1, is a simplified representation of a first picture that was “photographed” by the user ofdigital camera100. That is,PIC1 is the earliest captured image residing inmemory210 ormemory module unit156, depending upon the embodiment ofdigital camera100.

Thus,PIC2 would be the next most recently captured image that was captured after the image associated withPIC1 was captured. Likewise,PIC3 was captured afterPIC2. A plurality of pictures, in the hypothetical example illustrated inFIG. 4, reside inmemory210 ormemory module unit156.PIC1 corresponds to the most recently captured image. The picture associated with image402 (a tree) is intended to represent a displayed image of the current image detected by photosensor206 (FIG. 2) when operating in the live preview mode.

Assuming that in this hypothetical example,PIC1 is the image currently displayed on display124 (FIGS. 1–3), in one embodiment, actuation ofcontrol button108 will causedigital camera100 to change the display toPIC2. That is, when the user ofdigital camera100 actuatescontrol button108 having right pointingarrow icon306, the image displayed ondisplay124 is scrolled to the next most recently captured image (here, PIC2), as denoted byarrow404.

A second actuation ofcontrol button108 will causedigital camera100 to displayPIC3 ondisplay312, as denoted byarrow408. Subsequent actuations ofcontrol button108 will causedigital camera100 to scroll through the images stored inmemory210 or inmemory module unit156 until the most recently captured picture, PIC i, is displayed ondisplay124, as denoted byarrow408. Thus, the user ofdigital camera100 understands that actuations ofcontrol button108 will simply cause the image displayed ondisplay124 to scroll to the next most recently captured image.

When the most recently captured image, PIC i, is displayed ondisplay124, the next actuation ofcontrol button108 in one embodiment will cause the digital camera to display ondisplay124 the current image that is detected by photosensor206 (FIG. 2), as denoted byarrow410. That is, since there are no more recently captured images residing inmemory210 ormemory module unit156,digital camera100 is instructed to operate in the live preview mode. As described above, another actuation ofcontrol button108 will causedisplay124 to be turned off.

Whendigital camera100 is operating in the live preview mode such that the current image detected by photosensor206 (FIG. 2) is displayed on display124 (FIGS. 1–3), actuation ofcontrol button104 causesdigital camera100 to display the most recently captured image (PIC i). Thus, the displayed image ondisplay124 changes fromimage402 to image PIC i, as denoted byarrow412. Thus, the user ofdigital camera100 understands that the images that have been captured and saved intomemory210 ormemory module unit156 may be viewed by actuatingcontrol button104 when the user is displaying a current image detected byphotosensor206.

Furthermore, the user understands that subsequent actuations ofcontrol button104 will causedigital camera100 to change the image displayed ondisplay124 to the next previously captured image. For example, if the user ofdigital camera100 was viewingPIC2, the user understands that the next actuation ofcontrol button104 would causedigital camera100 to displayPIC1 ondisplay124, as denoted byarrow414.

In one embodiment, ifdigital camera100 is operating in the preview mode such that the current image detected by photosensor206 (FIG. 2) is displayed ondisplay124, and there are no stored images inmemory210 ormemory module unit156, actuation ofcontrol button104 causes display124 to be turned off. Thus, the user understands that there are no images stored in memory210 (FIG. 2), or in memory module unit156 (FIG. 1), depending upon the embodiment ofdigital camera100.

Summarizing, simplified imagedisplay control interface102 having the threecontrol buttons104,106 and108 provides an easily understood and simple-to-use interface such that the user ofdigital camera100 may scroll through captured images in any desired manner simply by actuatingcontrol buttons104 and108. Left pointingarrow icon302 oncontrol button104 is understood to cause the next previously captured image to be displayed. When the user has scrolled through the captured images to the oldest captured image, a subsequent actuation ofcontrol button104 causes the display to be turned off. Right pointingarrow icon306 oncontrol button108 is understood to display the next most recently captured image. When the user has scrolled through the captured images to the most recently captured image, a subsequent actuation ofcontrol button108 causesdigital camera100 to display a live preview. Also, the user understands that actuation ofcontrol button106 will cause deletion of a previously captured image that is currently being displayed, as denoted by “X”icon304.

FIG. 5 is aflow chart500 illustrating a process for operating digital camera100 (FIGS. 1–2) withcontrol buttons104,106 and108 (FIGS. 1–4) employed by simplified image display control interface102 (FIGS. 1–4).Flow chart500 shows the architecture, functionality and operation of a possible implementation of the software for implementing the image display control logic126 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted inFIG. 5 or may include additional functions without departing significantly from the functionality of the simplified image display control interface102 (FIGS. 1–4). For example, two blocks shown in succession inFIG. 5 may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, or some of the blocks may not be executed in all instances, depending upon the functionality involved, as will be further clarified below. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and to be protected by the accompanying claims. The process of using the simplified image display control interface102 (FIGS. 1–4) begins atblock502. Atblock502,digital camera100 detects the actuation of at least one ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108. In alternative embodiments, actuation of other selected buttons, switches or other user interface devices may initiate the process depicted byflow chart500.

Atblock504, a determination is made whether or not display124 (FIGS. 1–3) is currently on. If not (the NO condition), the process proceeds to block506 wheredisplay124 is turned on. In one embodiment, the most recently captured image is displayed ondisplay124. An alternative embodiment displays the earliest captured image when the display is turned on. Yet another embodiment displays a suitable menu to the user. In other embodiments, if no images are residing inmemory210,digital camera100 defaults to the live preview mode of operation and displays the current image detected by photosensor206 (FIG. 2). Summarizing, the user understands that if the display is off, actuating any one ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108 will turn ondisplay124. The process then returns to block502 to await actuation of one ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108.

If atblock504display124 is currently on (the YES condition), the process proceeds to block508. Atblock508, a determination is made which ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108 was actuated.

Ifcontrol button108 having right pointing arrow icon306 (FIG. 3) is actuated atblock508, the process proceeds to block510. Atblock510, a determination is made whether or not display124 is operating in the live preview mode of operation. If so (the YES condition), the process proceeds to block512 such thatdisplay124 is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to block502 to await detection of an actuation of one ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108.

However, if atblock510 the display is not operating in the live preview mode (the NO condition), the process proceeds to block514 such thatdisplay124 displays the next most recently captured image. That is,digital camera100 understands that the user has vieweddisplay screen124 showing an image, and that the user has actuatedcontrol button108 to view the next most recently captured image. (In one embodiment, if there are no more recent captured images residing inmemory210, ormemory module unit156, the screen defaults to the live preview mode such that the current image detected byphotosensor206 is displayed.) Then, the process returns to block502 to await actuation of another one ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108.

Alternatively, ifcontrol button106 having “X” icon304 (FIG. 3) is actuated atblock508, the process proceeds to block516. Atblock516, a determination is made whether or not display124 is operating in the live preview mode of operation. If so (the YES condition), the process proceeds to block512 such thatdisplay124 is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to block502 to await detection of an actuation of one ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108.

However, if atblock516 the display is not operating in the live preview mode (the NO condition), the process proceeds to block518 such that data corresponding to the displayed image is deleted, erased or otherwise removed frommemory210 ormemory module unit156, depending upon the embodiment ofdigital camera100. That is,digital camera100 understands that the user has vieweddisplay screen124 showing an image, and that the user has actuatedcontrol button106 intending to delete that image fromdigital camera100 memory. Then, the process returns to block502 to await actuation of another one ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108. (In one embodiment, after deletion of data corresponding to the displayed image has been performed bydigital camera100, the next previously captured image is displayed ondisplay124. In an alternative embodiment, the next most recently captured image is displayed. In yet another embodiment, a live preview of the current image is displayed ondisplay124.)

Finally, ifcontrol button104 having left pointing arrow icon302 (FIG. 2) is actuated atblock508, the process proceeds to block520. Atblock520, a determination is made whether or not display124 is operating in a live preview mode of operation. If so (the YES condition), the process proceeds to block522 such thatdisplay124 is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to block502 to await detection of an actuation of one ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108.

However, if atblock520 the display is not operating in the live preview mode (the NO condition), the process proceeds to block522 such thatdisplay124 displays the next previously captured image. That is,digital camera100 understands that the user has vieweddisplay screen124 showing an image, and that the user has actuatedcontrol button104 to view the next most previously captured image. (In one embodiment, if there are no previously captured images residing inmemory210, ormemory module unit156, the screen defaults to the live preview mode such that the current image detected byphotosensor206 is displayed.) Then, the process returns to block502 to await actuation of another one ofcontrol buttons104,106 or108.

The above-described embodiment of simplified image display control interface102 (FIGS. 1–4) illustrates the placement ofcontrol buttons104,106 and108 in a horizontal alignment with respect to display124. Furthermore, control button106 (having the functionality of deletion of image data and denoted with an “X” icon204) is illustrated as being placed betweencontrol buttons104 and108. In alternative embodiments, the alignment and/or positioning ofcontrol buttons104,106 and108 of simplified imagedisplay control interface102 may be anywhere ondigital camera100 as long as the user ofdigital camera100 has easy and convenient access to controlbuttons104,106 and108. Furthermore,control buttons104,106 and108 do not need to be adjacent to each other. For example, one embodiment may position the threecontrol buttons104,106 and108 in a vertical alignment with respect to display124. In another embodiment, left scrollingcontrol button104 is located to the left ofdisplay124 and rightscrolling control button108 is located to the right ofdisplay124. In yet another embodiment,deletion control button106 is located in a convenient location remote from the two scrollingcontrol buttons104 and108.

The above-described embodiment of simplified image display control interface102 (FIGS. 1–4) describescontrol buttons104,106 and108 as pressure actuated buttons that are pushed downward by the user to actuate. In another embodiment, other suitable sensitive buttons are employed. In another embodiment, the three control buttons are implemented as a touch sensitive portions of a display such that the user merely touches a portion of the display that is displaying an icon corresponding to one ofcontrol buttons140,106 and/or108.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

Claims (18)

1. A display interface for displaying images comprising:

a display configured to display an image; and

a simplified image display control interface consisting of:

a first button configured to change an image shown by the display to the next most recently captured image;

a second button configured to change an image shown by the display to the next previously captured image; and

a third button configured to delete data associated with the image shown by the display, wherein the third button is further configured to turn off the display when there is no data associated with the image shown by the display to delete.

2. The display interface ofclaim 1, wherein the first button is further configured to display a live preview when there is no next most recently captured image, and wherein the second button is further configured to turn off the display when there is no next previously captured image.

3. The display interface ofclaim 1, further comprising;

a memory configured to store data corresponding to at least one captured image; and

a processor unit coupled to the memory and configured to receive signals from the first button and the second button, the processor unit further configured to retrieve from the memory data associated with the captured images specified by the first button and the second button.

4. The display interface ofclaim 1, wherein the first button and the second button are further configured to turn on the display when the display is off.

5. The display interface ofclaim 1, further comprising a right pointing arrow icon residing on the first button.

6. The display interface ofclaim 1, further comprising a left pointing arrow icon residing on the second button.

7. A method for controlling display of images on a display, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting actuation of a simplified image display control interface consisting of a first control button, a second control button and a third button;

displaying a next most recently captured image on the display when the first control button is actuated;

displaying a next previously captured image on the display when the second control button is actuated;

deleting data associated with the image shown by the display when the third control button is actuated; and

turning off the display when there is no data associated with the image shown by the display to delete when the third control button is actuated.

8. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising the steps of:

determining when the next most recently captured image is available for displaying on the display when the first control button is actuated; and

displaying a current image detected by an image sensor when the next most recently captured image is not available.

9. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising the step of turning off the display in response to actuation of the first control button when the current image is displayed.

10. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising the steps of:

determining if the next previously captured image is available for displaying on the display when the second control button is actuated; and

turning off the display in response to actuation of the second control button when the next previously captured image is not available.

11. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising the steps of:

determining if the data associated with the image shown on the display is available for deleting when the third control button is actuated; and

displaying a current image detected by an image sensor when the data is not available.

12. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising the steps of:

determining when the display is off; and

turning on the display in response to detecting actuation of one of the first control button and the second control button when the display is off.

13. A system for controlling display of images on a display comprising:

means for detecting actuation of a simplified image display control interface consisting of a first control button, a second control button and a third control button;

means for displaying a next most recently captured image on the display when the first control button is actuated;

means for deleting data associated with the image shown on the display when the second control button is actuated;

means for displaying a next previously captured image on the display when the third control button is actuated;

means for determining when the next most recently captured image is available for displaying on the display when the first control button is actuated and means for displaying a current image detected by an image sensor when the next most recently captured image is not available;

means for determining if the data associated with the image shown on the display is available for deleting when the second control button is actuated and means for displaying a current image detected by an image sensor when the data is not available; and

means for determining if the next previously captured image is available for displaying on the display when the third control button is actuated and means for displaying a current image detected by an image sensor when the next previously captured image is not available.

14. The system ofclaim 13, further comprising:

means for determining when the display is off; and

means for turning on the display in response to detecting actuation of one of the first control button, the second control button and the third control button when the display is off.

15. A computer readable medium having a program executable by a computer for controlling display of images on a display, the program comprising logic configured to perform the steps of:

detecting actuation of a simplified image display control interface consisting of a first control button and a second control button;

displaying a live preview after the most recently captured image has been displayed on the display in response to actuation of the first control button;

turning off the display after the oldest captured image on the display has been displayed in response to actuation of the second control button;

deleting data associated with the image shown by the display when the third control button is actuated; and

turning off the display when there is no data associated with the image shown by the display to delete when the third control button is actuated.

16. A display interface for displaying images comprising:

a digital image capturing device;

a display residing on the digital image capture device configured to display an image; and

a simplified image display control interface consisting of:

a first button configured to display a live preview on the display after a most recently captured image has been displayed;

a second button configured to turn off the display after an oldest captured image has been displayed; and

a third button configured to delete data associated with the image shown by the display, wherein the third button is further configured to turn off the display when there is no data associated with the image shown by the display to delete.

17. The display interface ofclaim 16, wherein the digital image capturing device is a digital camera.

18. A computer readable medium having a program executable by a computer for controlling display of images on a display, the program comprising logic configured to perform the steps of:

detecting actuation of a simplified image display control interface consisting of a first control button, a second control button and a third button;

displaying a next most recently captured image on the display when the first control button is actuated; displaying a next previously captured image on the display when the second control button is actuated;

deleting data associated with the image shown by the display when the third control button is actuated; and

turning off the display when there is no data associated with the image shown by the display to delete when the third control button is actuated.

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